Oral surgery in Pinellas Park

What is Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery?

It is a broad term that covers a wide range of surgical procedures to the mouth, jaw, and face. There are procedures for extracting teeth, jaw surgery to correct overbites and underbites, and many other services available from oral surgeons. Oral surgeons are specialist dentists who chose to continue their training after dental school to learn more about the procedures listed below.

What Are Typical Oral Surgical Services?

Please contact us for oral surgery in Pinellas Park if you need any of the following services:

Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Many people have to have their wisdom teeth extracted. Wisdom teeth are a throwback to our ancestors, but we don’t need them anymore. We don’t need extra molars coming in later, and our jaw size has became smaller over time. Therefore, once the wisdom teeth are due to emerge, they cannot and the teeth have to be extracted. Most wisdom teeth extractions occur when:

1. The molars have no room to emerge from the gums.
2. The wisdom teeth come in at an angle and only partially emerge.
3. The wisdom teeth press against existing molars.

Wisdom teeth extractions are a common procedure for oral surgeons. We have several sedation options to make sure you are comfortable during the procedure. Call our office for a consultation and you can learn more about your estimated wisdom teeth extraction cost.

Why Are Teeth Surgically Extracted?

Dentists often extract teeth by pulling them out. However, your dentist may refer you to an oral surgeon for a surgical extraction if the tooth will be difficult to extract. This includes broken teeth, teeth only partially emerged, and teeth with curved roots. An oral surgeon will make a small incision in the gum to reach the tooth. Once the tooth is out, the incision is closed with a stitch or two.

Who Places Dental Implants?

An implant is used when replacing missing teeth. It becomes an artificial root and a crown replaces the tooth. Some dentists will place an implant, but most refer their patients to an oral surgeon. Oral surgeons have more experience and training in implant placement. Your fee for implant placement will depend on how many implants you need.

What is an Oral Cancer Diagnosis?

If anything looks suspicious during an oral cancer screening, a tissue sample is obtained and sent off to a lab for a biopsy. Everyone should get a screening each year as an early diagnosis significantly increases your five-year survival Rate.

Oral Cancer Treatments

There are a wide range of oral cancer treatments. Your treatment will depend on where your cancer is and what stage it is in. The most common treatments include chemotherapy, radiation, and medications. In advanced cancers, maxillofacial surgery and prosthetics are often need as the cancer can be disfiguring when it is in the last stages.

What Does Pre-orthodontic Surgery Entail?

If you are getting braces because your teeth are crowded and cannot all fit together, you may need some teeth removed. This will give your other teeth room to align properly. Orthognathic surgery (surgery to the jaw) may also be a part of pre-orthodontic work.

What is Pre-prosthetic Surgery

It is any type of oral maxillofacial surgery that you may need before getting prosthetics. In order to have them fit properly, you may need work to the underlying bone, your gums or your jaw.

What is TMD Treatment?

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your skull to your lower jaw. It is what allows you to open and close your mouth. It’s made from cartilage, and when you have a problem with the joint, it is known as temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). You could experience soreness, ear pain, or your jaw may click or pop. In severe cases, your jaw may lock, although this is not lockjaw, a serious medical condition.

You can rest your jaw by eating soft food, giving up chewing gum, and making other behavior modifications. Medication may also be prescribed. If conservative treatments do not work, you may need jaw surgery to repair the joint.

How Do I Schedule a Dental Surgery Consultation?

Have you been searching for dental surgery near me? If so, contact us today to set up a consultation. Our patient’s comfort before, during, and after a procedure is paramount. We will explain your sedation options and the recovery process during your consultation.